Trouble at mill – solution suggested

Pressure is being put on the Government to step up plans to transform the wood processing industry and keep Whakata¯ne Mill operating.

Local economic development agency Toi EDA said the mill, which has announced it is no longer economic, might be saved it if it switches from exporting to supplying local recyclable packaging.

Toi EDA chairman John Galbraith said he was confident that the mill could be repositioned with the right support. New Zealand mills were struggling against competitors which were in many cases statesubsidised, he said

‘‘This is despite New Zealand’s competitive advantage of having one of the world’s largest sustainable plantation forests and renewable energy.’’

At the site this week, more than 200 workers were in shock over this week’s news that the 80-year old mill might close.

Raymond Wheeler, a spokesman for E tu¯ Union, said emotions on the site were running high. Some people were angry, others who were older were more philosophical and would walk away with a good redundancy and pension.

‘‘The younger ones, some have bought houses, assets and cars, and they’re starting their careers and within the area there’s not a lot of opportunity to get work with their skill set, and they are highly trained and skilled.’’

But it was Whakata¯ ne’s wider economy, including many contractors, scaffolders and local retailers, which would suffer, Wheeler said.

The town had already been hit by the 2019 eruption of Whakaari/White Island, and then the absence of tourists due to Covid. Losing the mill as well would be ‘‘quite far reaching.’’

Wheeler said that if the mill was to be saved, it would have to happen quickly.